A Louisiana Nexium lawsuit may be an option for patients who suffered complications due to the acid reflux medication. Nexium, also known as esomeprazole, is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat patients who suffer from acid reflux disease and ulcers. However, the drug has been linked to severe and dangerous risks, including those affecting the kidneys. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a Louisiana Nexium lawsuit and recover compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Nexium lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Nexium and How Does It Work?
Nexium is used to treat symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers caused by infection of the H. pylori bacteria, and duodenal ulcers. Nexium may also be used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis and to treat other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Along with other drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid, Nexium works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Nexium Side Effects
Most side effects of Nexium do not require immediate medical attention. Common side effects of the drug include:
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Gas
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
Serious side effects include:
- Increased risk of severe diarrhea caused by an intestinal infection
- Increased risk of fractures to the hip, wrist, or spine
- Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, also known as chronic atrophic gastritis
- Low magnesium levels in the body
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Nexium Kidney Disease Risks
In addition to common side effects of Nexium, the medication has been allegedly linked to much more serious injuries, including complications related to the kidneys. According to multiple studies, patients have experienced a variety of problems such as acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal failure.
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN) is an inflammation of the kidneys involving the tissue fluid surrounding the kidney tubules. AIN is often caused by an infection or reaction to medication. According to research published in 2006, PPI-induced AIN is likely to become more prevalent due to the more frequent use of PPIs such as Nexium.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is the abrupt or rapid decline in renal function and ability to filter waste from the blood. According to an article published in 2013, case reports suggest that PPIs such as Nexium may be linked to AKI and that patients with renal disease diagnosis were twice as likely to have used a prescription for a PPI.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term, persistent condition that affects the way the kidneys filter wastes and electrolytes from the blood and the body. Symptoms of CKD may not appear until the later stages of the disease, and if CKD is not treated properly, the condition may progress into potentially fatal kidney failure.
- Renal or Kidney Failure is the last stage of kidney disease. When the kidneys fail, they are unable to function properly without the aid of dialysis or kidney transplant.
Nexium Lawsuit
According to a Nexium lawsuit filed in Illinois, hundreds of reports of injury have been submitted to the FDA in association with Nexium, including reports of kidney injury as early as 2004. Despite this knowledge, AstraZeneca, the maker of the drug, took no action to inform the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s physicians of the known risks of Nexium.
The lawsuit additionally alleges that the drug manufacturer failed to adequately warn against the negative risks associated with Nexium. As a result, the plaintiff alleges that they suffered from and will continue to suffer emotional and mental distress and anxiety knowing that there is a likelihood of serious risks related to Nexium.
How a Louisiana Nexium Lawsuit Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
